Marybeth Lennox and Tony Wagner
By Tony Wagner, HRC’s Western Regional Field Director:
It’s 6:30am and Marybeth Lennox and I are on the Rail Runner train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Things are moving fast in New Mexico. The Senate Judiciary Committee, which tabled the Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act on a 5-5 tie two weeks ago, has scheduled a vote to be taken on the bill today.
Ultimately, the timing could not be better. Today is lobby day at the Roundhouse (New Mexico’s State Capitol) and we’re expecting over 100 activists to attend and advocate for the DP bill with their state legislators. There’s also going to be a rally outside at Noon.
The proposed legislation guarantees committed couples legal autonomy to make joint medical decisions, administer personal property, and share employment benefits, among dozens of other legal protections that are vital to family stability and security. The domestic partnership bill protects gay and lesbian couples unable to marry, as well as unmarried straight couples, such as senior citizens and people with disabilities that choose not to marry for financial and other reasons.
The Senate Judiciary Committee vote is considered the toughest hurdle for the bill. While the bill would still face a close floor vote in both the Senate and House if it passes out of committee today, a victory today would be a tremendous leap forward towards this bill actually becoming law.
Stay tuned for more breaking news and pictures as we bring it to you from the Roundhouse in Santa Fe!
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